MEETING WITH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
AT WERF

WERF will be an exciting and challenging event! There will be many employers from around the country attending. The following strategies will help you make the most of WERF.

1. Doors will open at 2:00pm. Meeting with districts runs continuously until 7:00pm. Each district has its own method for meeting with candidates. Some are there to provide information about their districts and will pass resumes on to hiring officials. Others may be directly conducting interviews. Some districts have posted a "WERF Vacancy" on WECAN prior to the Fair. Be alert, APPLY to these vacancies in order to be considered for pre-scheduled interviews. Be prepared to engage with district representatives in whatever way you can.

2. Try to contact the schools in which you are interested. Introduce yourself, express your interest in the district, leave a resume, and obtain an application blank. Even a casual contact can lead to a job - BE ASSERTIVE. If a district does not list your certification, do not let this deter you from meeting with the district. They may not have a current opening, however that could change over the summer. Use this opportunity to make a good impression.

You only have 15 minutes to present yourself-- so be prepared!

3. Be prepared to give a brief, thumb-nail sketch of your professional self, including answers to the following:

• Describe your teaching style.
• What is your preferred classroom management style?
• What is your philosophy of teaching?
• What can you contribute to the school system?
• Why would you be a successful teacher?
• What have you learned from your teaching experiences?
• What courses/subjects are you competent to teach?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to teach?

4. Remember - you may have only 15 minutes to present yourself as the best candidate for the job. Be enthusiastic and honest. Follow the lead of the recruiter, answer questions with more than just a "yes" or "no"; always give additional positive information about yourself in response to a question. Find out what you need to do next to follow up on the interview, and keep in mind that you can still apply to districts which you are not able to contact during WERF.

5. Cancelling a scheduled interview - If you decide not to meet with a district during a pre-scheduled appointment, please leave a message for the interviewer at the REGISTRATION / INFORMATION TABLE, including the time of the meeting. It is most inconsiderate to just not show up. You may be keeping someone else from meeting with the district, and it leaves a poor impression of you with the recruiter.

6. Always follow up your meetings with a thank-you note.

7. Last-minute district cancellations occur occasionally or a DISTRICT MAY LEAVE EARLY OR BEFORE 7:00PM. If a school district you are interested in is not there, you can leave your resume in the folder at the district Table and we will send it on to the school district.

8. Food will not be sold at the event. Plan ahead to pack a snack or bring a beverage.